Advice on test strategies

Do any of you have any advice on how to calm down during tests? I find tests to be more nerve-wracking (especially USFSA moves in the field) than actual competition. I once had Morry Stillwell judge my moves (he passed me!), but I was still very nervous. Every time I would hear my blades scratch instead of rip, I felt sure I was done for.

What do you do before tests, or during the actual skate that help calm your nerves some?

I've found that doing full run throughs of MIF tests in front of a group of people standing in the hockey box is helpful. Then my coach would pick the move that she felt requires a reskate (if any) and then moving on to work on something else. I often practice moves to particular pieces of music that help me get the cadence of the move and I focus on that in my head when I test (which really helps). For example, Billy Joel's Piano Man is great for the timing of counters (Novice) and Rockers (Junior)

I have an off ice routine I go through before I skate a test. It's mainly a simplified ballet barre and some basic stretches, but I find that it helps centres and grounds me. I always do it it full costume, hair and makeup as well just to make sure that I'm comfortable in everything. During the test I focus on breathing out. It helps calm me down and gets my body on auto pilot, which if you're ready to take a test then your muscle memory knows what to do.

Bumping this because I have a test coming up and am very nervous. It's a re-skate and I've failed once already. A coworker told me about a psychologist's tip. About 20 mins before the event, write down your worst fears on a piece of paper and tear it up. It's supposed to help get those "what-ifs" out of your head.

I tried that during my last test and it sort of helped, but my legs lock up so bad that I can barely skate. I read how Gracie Gold said she "goes somewhere else" in her head, back to the practice rink or whatever. I need to figure out how to do that.

It really doesn't help to be nervous, and I tell myself that, that the judges want you to do well, etc. But there's something about being out there alone with your toe picks scratching that's just terrifying.